Apprentices from engineering firm adi Group have come together for a unique two-day programme in the West Midlands designed to build relationships and broaden their understanding of how different areas of the business work together. 

The annual Apprentice Away Day took place on 9th and 10th September and welcomed 54 apprentices from adi’s Automotive, Electrical, Mechanical, Fire & Security, Intelligent Buildings and Automation divisions alongside Group Services.

The first day, held at Bassetts Pole Adventure Park in Sutton Coldfield focused on outdoor team building activities, giving apprentices from different parts of the Group an opportunity to meet. 

On the second day, the apprentices gathered at Lea Marston Hotel in Tamworth for a programme led by Managing Directors from across adi’s divisions. 

A central part of the day was the Factory of the Future challenge, where apprentices explored how tomorrow’s engineering environments could be imagined, built and delivered. They looked at the skills involved in taking a factory from first concept through to project completion, and where their own strengths and future pathways fit into that journey.

Alongside the challenge, apprentices took part in practical health and safety sessions, beginning with a discussion on risk assessments and how safe working practices shape every stage of engineering.

By the end of the session, each group shared their ideas with the wider cohort - helping them connect what they’d learned to their ambitions and the careers they’re building.

The programme was designed to reflect the breadth of sectors and engineering disciplines supported by adi Group, while helping apprentices understand how their individual roles contribute to larger projects. 

Alan Lusty, Founder and Chairman of adi Group, said: “Our apprentices work across a wide range of disciplines, so the Away Day gives them an important opportunity to step outside their day-to-day roles and see how adi Group operates. 

“The activities are based around the situations that engineers encounter throughout their careers, from working safely and assessing risk to collaborating with colleagues from different specialisms. 

“We want every apprentice to understand the value of their role and it’s our hope they leave understanding that delivering a successful engineering project depends on people across several disciplines working together. The Away Day allows them to develop those connections early in their careers and learn from both their peers and senior leaders.” 

The event forms part of adi Group’s wider commitment to developing the next generation of engineering talent. Through the adi Apprentice Academy, which has been running for 12 years, young people work alongside experienced professionals while completing nationally recognised Technical and NVQ qualifications. 

Apprentices receive practical workplace experience and structured support throughout their training, helping them build the confidence and technical competence required for long-term careers within engineering. 

The Group has also run a pre-apprenticeship programme for the last 10 years for pupils aged 14 to 16, giving young people early experience of electrical and mechanical engineering in a working environment. 

To find out more about adi Group's Apprentice Programmes, visit: https://adiltd.co.uk/apprentice-academy